Hi, It is with great pleasure that i write this blog today. I am Mathews K. Tuikong a Kenyan of Kalenjin extraction working towards my 40th birthday. I have gone the full circle and this is my second lap around the life circle. Mmm. hope to discuss this some time later. though i just wanted to log in that i am now learning what a blog site is and that it can be shared with everyone else in this green and blue marble.
Today the main story where i live is about refugees from our neighbouring country Somali, the number of displaced persons is over one million and according to the Government Spokesman Mr. Alfred Mutua the trek is due to hunger. Some of the affected people having walked over 100s of Kiliometres yet they are Women and Children. He also says the Border is closed though no refugees have been returned but the situation is grave and camps should be built in Somalia. What do we do, please consider sending one unit of your national currency or more to the nearest Red cross or Red Cresent association near you. Food drops would be another good option
Matkong
Jambo it is now 5/8/2011 about two weeks since the first post, what a response to the request for support, this is really encouraging. By 5th August 2011, the Kenyan public have through an initiative of Kenyans for Kenyans raised Kshs 100million through an M pesa initiative. People are giving what they can and there are now T shirts that are being printed with an intention to raise a further Ksh 365 million.The American Red cross in its twitter page also indicates that they have similary given Kshs 1 million towards hunger in the horn of Africa,this amounts to Kshs 90 million. The Kenya Government has mobilised its defence forces to distribute food by road and air, this has hastened to food reaching the deserving recepients including a 106 year old man in Mandera shown on TV last wenesday. Though more needs to be done. It is interesting to read that there is actually technology for making rain under development. I wonder when this may become a real benefit to marginalised communities in the world. Then there also is a debate on the use of Genetically modified foods (GMO). The jury on its use is still out and we hope to hear from them soon.
This is a good gesture, Mathews. I have colleagues you are so negative about Somalia and it is fabulous to see your humane side being proactive and trying to do something about the famine. A suggestion: Why don't we get Uchumi and Nakumatt to have those boxes (like they normally do) so that people can donate? Plus, probably create a web link to the Kenya Red Cross webiste (and I hope they are accountable with the money 'cause I have been hearing stories-may be they just stories) so that people can donate directly.
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Hi, It is two years since the post was put up and what a great change. I saw some of the pictures that Safaricom has put up on their initiative relating to their fundraising initiative and it is really satisfying to see happy children and parents who have taken to Irrigation to grow crops in Turkana. This was the Genesis of support by the public. As for Somalia, their has also been changes after the African Union gave their support.
ReplyDeleteThere is still need for more effort in Somalia especially from the well to do members of the citizenry that has traveled across the world to seek peace, prosperity and freedom. Guys it is time you also lent a stronger hand back home to grow your home. I am sure the neighbors in the East African Region would be glad to celebrate the return of Somalia to the Community of stable states.